At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of domestic abuse and shape impactful services in the community.
- Company: Join Colchester Borough Homes, a leader in community support and housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive workplace that values your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting victims and understanding domestic abuse dynamics.
The predicted salary is between 29943 - 36738 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse? Do you want to play a leading role in shaping services that change lives and strengthen communities? Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) is looking for a Domestic Abuse Specialist Officer to help drive our commitment to delivering high-quality, victim-centred support across Colchester. This is an exciting opportunity to influence change and make a lasting difference to the lives of people affected by domestic abuse. You will be at the forefront of improving services and ensuring victims and survivors receive the support they need.
About the Role
As our Domestic Abuse Specialist Officer, you will:
- Act as a specialist lead on domestic abuse across CBH, providing expertise and advice.
- Review policies, procedures, and services that deliver positive outcomes.
- Work alongside local partners to provide a coordinated and effective multi-agency response.
- Support our Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation.
- Use data, insight, and learning to drive continuous improvement.
You will help shape innovative initiatives, including work around economic abuse, financial resilience, and early intervention, helping ensure our services remain responsive to emerging needs and changing legislation.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has a strong understanding of domestic abuse, including coercive control and emerging forms of abuse.
- Has experience supporting victims and survivors and working within multi-agency partnerships.
- Can positively influence others and drive service improvements across teams.
- Demonstrates resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to safeguarding and equality.
Most importantly, you'll be motivated by making a genuine difference to people's lives and be committed to delivering excellent services for our residents.
Why Join CBH
At CBH, we manage and maintain around 7,000 homes and other important community assets across Colchester. We are proud of our reputation for delivering high-quality services and putting residents at the heart of everything we do. We understand that people perform at their best when they have a healthy work-life balance. That's why we are committed to offering a supportive, inclusive, and family-friendly working environment where colleagues can thrive.
We Offer:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days' annual leave
- Excellent training, professional development, and career progression opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Smartphone and laptop provided
- Discounted gym membership
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture where your wellbeing matters
Join Us
If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can influence change, support some of the most vulnerable members of our community and help shape the future of domestic abuse services, we'd love to hear from you. Interview date to be confirmed.
Equality and Diversity Commitment
Colchester Borough Homes is an equal opportunities employer. As part of our continued commitment to Equality and Diversity, and our workforce accurately reflecting the community we represent, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and applicants who have status as an individual with a physical or mental disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer and a Mindful Employer. We also hold accreditations for Working Well, Investors in People Gold status and the Armed Forces Covenant.
How to Apply:
Step 1 - Click apply and you will be redirected to our careers site.
Step 2 - Read the advert, Job Accountability Statement and Person Specification.
Step 3 - Click ‘Apply online' below and complete the application form in full, ensuring that you indicate how you meet the criteria contained within the Person Specification.
Step 4 - Press ‘submit'.
Domestic Abuse Specialist Officer in Chelmsford employer: Colchester Borough Homes
Colchester Borough Homes is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the community. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer a supportive work culture that values emotional intelligence and resilience. Join our award-winning team in Colchester, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives and collaborate with passionate professionals committed to safeguarding and equality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Domestic Abuse Specialist Officer in Chelmsford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Colchester Borough Homes.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Colchester Borough Homes!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Colchester Borough Homes, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Colchester Borough Homes or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Domestic Abuse Specialist Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Colchester Borough Homes:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Colchester Borough Homes! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Borough Homes
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
